Method, an apparatus, and a machine-readable medium for dispensing a scent

ABSTRACT

Embodiments generally relate to a method, an apparatus, and a machine-readable medium for scent dispensing. In particular, embodiments relate to a method dispensing at least one scent medium into an atmosphere. The method comprising increasing a concentration of the at least one scent medium in the atmosphere during a first time period; decreasing a concentration of the at least one scent medium in the atmosphere during a second time period; and increasing a concentration of the at least one scent medium or another scent medium in the atmosphere during a third time period.

FIELD

Embodiments generally relate to a method, an apparatus, and amachine-readable medium for scent dispensing. In particular, embodimentsrelate to a concept for a scent dispensing rhythm or time course.

BACKGROUND

The human body is affected by its sense of smell. Leveraging a person'ssense of smell can cause both physiological and psychological effects.It can also affect the sensory system as a whole. And, in turn, how aperson perceives a smell can be influenced by the other senses ininteresting ways.

Many industries, including the automotive industry, have only slowlyincorporated an olfactory sense experience into their products or havedone so on a very basic level. Common problems with scent dispensingapparatuses include the over-delivery of scents, the delivery ofsingular scents, and the delivery of only a limited number offragrances. This may lead to olfactory fatigue, which is a phenomenonthat results in temporary inability to distinguish a particular odorafter prolonged exposure to it. Additionally, these dispensers, alsoknown as air fresheners, are not designed for the automotiveapplication. Hence, there may be a desire for an improved scentdispensing method that can deliver a richer sensory experience.

SUMMARY

Embodiments in the present disclosure relate to a method for dispensingat least one scent medium into an atmosphere. According to anembodiment, a method for dispensing at least one scent medium into anatmosphere comprises increasing a concentration of the at least onescent medium in the atmosphere during a first time period. Thendecreasing a concentration of the at least one scent medium in theatmosphere during a second time period. And lastly, increasing aconcentration of the at least one scent medium or another scent mediumin the atmosphere during a third time period.

Olfactory fatigue is an example of a neural or sensory adaptation whereone loses the ability to perceive a particular odor after prolongedexposure to the particular compound. It can also be known as odorfatigue, olfactory adaptation, and nose blindness. Common examplesinclude: when a person applies cologne and then loses the ability tosmell it after a short time while others the person meets can smell itreadily, losing the ability to perceive a stinky trashcan until onereturns home, or being overwhelmed by the strong smell of popcorn in amovie theater only for the awareness of the odor to fade to the pointwhere the smell is not perceptible or is much weaker. It is a findingthat leaving the area of high odor will restore the sensitivity to itover time. The perception of a fragrance might be prolonged if thefragrance profile of an environment is constantly changed. This may meanadjusting the concentration of a scent medium from a high concentrationto a lower one and then back. This stimulates the olfactory system againrather than overwhelming it with one continuous scent release.

According to another embodiment, the scent dispersing method mightrelease less scent in a second time period as compared to the first timeperiod and the scent concentration naturally decreases. Molecules ofgas, such as a scent, tend to occupy the entire volume available to themin a process called diffusion. A scent dispensing method might takeadvantage of this property by allowing scents to diffuse naturally,rather than using active means to cleanse the scent from the air. Thismight save on energy while conserving the scent medium available to thesystem.

The first, second, and third time periods may define a repetitive rhythmfor scent concentration in the atmosphere. For example, the third timeperiod is the first time period defining a repetitive rhythm for thedispersing the at least one scent medium concentration into theatmosphere. Delivering rhythms or pulses to the atmosphere might bothprevent olfactory fatigue while also providing a perception of newnessand creating anticipation for a person perceiving the scent. Deliveringscent rhythms also increases the efficiency of the scent delivery systemby only delivering a scent that can effectively be sensed or recognizedby the user. This means the amount of scent delivered into the cabin canbe optimized and the life of the scent cartridge prolonged or the sizeof the scent cartridge optimized for its service life.

According to another embodiment, the rhythm is configured to avoidadaptation of human perception to the scent concentration. This mightallow for a scent medium to be better allocated and better tailored tothe person using a system with the rhythm. A system using this methodmay sample the concentration of a scent in the atmosphere and increasethe concentration from a second time period to a third time period onlyby enough to return the scent to a specified level rather than by apredefined amount that may overwhelm the olfactory perception of a userin a saturated atmosphere.

The method can further comprise a duration of the first time period thatis shorter than the second time period. Pulses of scents might only lasta short period, depending on the concentration of the formula of thescent medium and the dynamics of the atmosphere the fragrance isdiffusing into. Having a short release period with a long diffusionperiod might prolong the user's olfactory perception as well as prolongthe scent medium used by the method.

According to another embodiment, the duration of the first time periodis less than one minute. Prolonged-release periods may cause the user ofthe method to more readily adapt to the scent and lose their perceptionof it. Shorter periods of release, may be fractions of a second, mayeffectively deliver the scent while conserving the scent media,prolonging the experience, and reducing the amount of wasted scent thatmay pollute a system that employs the method. If a system usesperipheral components, a short scent release period might avoidsituations where the peripheral components are contaminated with thescent medium. A system with contaminated peripheral components mayinadvertently prolong the scent when unscented air passes through theperipheral components. It may also contaminate a subsequent scent with aprevious one.

An embodiment of the method may comprise having the atmosphere in aneutral state before the first time period and wherein the concentrationof the at least one scent medium is increased to an intensity levelabove the neutral state. Creating an atmosphere where there are no orlimited other scents may allow for a better perception of the desiredscent medium as well as requiring less scent overall to be dispensed tocover or hide other undesirable scents.

According to another embodiment, the method comprises waiting during thesecond time period until the concentration of the at least one scentmedium fades to the neutral state. The method further comprisesrefreshing the concentration of the at least one scent medium byrepeating the first and second time periods. By allowing the atmosphereto return to a neutral state the scent perception might be prolongedfurther than if the scent is refreshed before the dissipation of theprevious dispersal.

The method may further comprise refreshing of the concentration of theat least one scent medium at a different intensity level. Increasing theconcentration level of a refreshed scent might cause the perception ofthe scent to be renewed while decreasing the concentration level of arefreshed scent might conserve scent media.

The duration of the second time period may be a constant time. Using aconstant time to wait to disperse the scent may make it cheaper toproduce and implement a system implementing the method.

The method may comprise increasing the concentration of the at least onescent medium in the atmosphere during a first time period is done to aminimum intensity level. Then an iteration of the refreshing of theconcentration of the at least one scent medium is done at a higherintensity level until a maximum intensity level is reached. This methodstarts with the lowest intensity level that is perceivable, waiting fora period for the scent to disperse. The method repeats, increasing theintensity level to be higher than the previous release until a maximumlevel of intensity is reached. This may also address olfactory fatigue.

According to another embodiment, a concentration level of the at leastone scent medium may be adjusted before increasing the concentration ofthe at least one scent medium into the atmosphere. Adjusting theconcentration level of a scent medium allows for the olfactoryperception of the scent to be prolonged by attuning the release of thescent. For example, if the atmosphere is saturated with a scent, theconcentration level might be lowered to not overwhelm the nose of a userand cause the user to start to ignore the scent. However, if theconcentration is low then increasing the concentration might cause theuser to perceive the scent better.

According to another embodiment, the method may further comprise fadingbetween different scents. For example, the method may fade between theat least one scent medium and a subsequent at least one scent mediumduring a subsequent rhythm. Different scents may be releasedsimultaneously or be interspersed creating different layers of harmoniesthat change the user's perception of the overall scent profile.Additionally, the release of different scent mediums could be releasedat different rhythms creating different melodies as perceived by theuser. By adding or alternating scent media and the timing of the releaseof the scent media, the user may experience a perception of newness andsurprise. Changing the scent avoids the problem of olfactory fatigue byintroducing a new scent while allowing the nose to recover andre-perceive a first scent with increased vigor when it is reintroduced.

According to another embodiment, the method is configured to prolong anat least one user's perception of an at least one scent medium in theatmosphere. The method further comprises delivering the at least onescent into the atmosphere at an upper-intensity level during the firsttime period; wherein the upper-intensity level is perceivable to the atleast one user. The method further comprises waiting during the secondtime period until upper-intensity level of the at least one scent fadesinto a lower intensity level, wherein the lower intensity level is lessperceivable to the at least one user than the higher insensitivitylevel, and refreshing the at least one scent by repeating the steps ofthe first time period during the third time period.

The third time period may be the first time period. The method mayfurther repeat until the lower intensity level is not less perceivableto the at least one user than the higher intensity level. Once addingadditional scent to the atmosphere has a negligible difference on theperception of the scent it is unnecessary to continue to release a scentinto the atmosphere because it no longer affects a user. This willconserve the scent as well allow the user to naturally re-experience thescent as it dissipates over some time.

Another embodiment of the method further comprises actively adjusting anintensity level of the scent by coordinating a scent delivery systemwith a climate control system, a heating system, a ventilation system,and/or an air conditioning system. Coordinating the scent deliverysystem with the climate control or heating ventilation and airconditioning (HVAC) system might increase the air circulation within thecabin (e.g. ambient airflow, forced airflow, etc.) or introduce freshair into the cabin (e.g. through the HVAC system, opening external ventsor windows, etc.) to dilute or flush the air. This might aid withremoving any scent from the atmosphere and restoring a scent-neutralexperience. It also might introduce other scents from the outeratmosphere that might also aid in the resetting of the user's olfactoryexperience, allowing an original or additional scent to be introduced tothe user.

The method might further comprise removing or decreasing a concentrationof the scent using one or more elements of the group of an airpurification system, a carbon filter, a chemical absorption system, anda photo-catalytic filter. Removal or reduction of scent may be appliedgenerally throughout the use of the scent delivery device, after the useof the device or during certain periods, such as the decreasingconcentration period.

An additional embodiment might further comprise sensing an ambientolfactory level or character and adapting at least one element of thegroup of a released scent, a performance of the scent delivery, thefirst, second, and third time periods accordingly. Sensing the ambientlevel (or ambient olfactory character of the cabin or cabin air smell)and adapting the released scent, characteristics of the scent deliveryand/or rhythm accordingly might improve the performance of the scentdelivery making it more effective to perceive as well as more efficientto deliver.

The method may further comprise adjusting the first, second, or thirdtime periods based on one or more elements of the group of settings,sensor data, user input, lighting transitions, changes in a vehicle userinterface, an infotainment system, a scent dispensing system, and avehicle system. Scent rhythm parameters can be driven by settings (e.g.timed settings that are randomized, preset, preselected, pre-calculated,etc.), directly controlled by the user or controlled by sensor data,contextual data, and/or smart algorithms, operating in real-time orduring/throughout the passenger's or vehicle's journey. This allows thedelivery of the scent to be customized based on the user's ownexperience of the scent and can use the presence of other sensoryeffects to increase the olfactory perception of the fragrance. Forinstance, if a user is experiencing scenery that may evoke a scent (e.g.the user is driving through a forest or an orchard), the delivery of afresh or earthy scent (e.g. pine or apple) might not need to be asconcentrated. The user's visual perception of their surroundings mayenhance their olfactory perception requiring less scent to be dispersed.This may be true even if the user is sealed off from the natural scentsof the scenery.

Additionally, the method may integrate or coordinate with amulti-sensory component or modality, such as a change in ambientlighting color. Adjusting the ambient color may increase a user'sperception of a smell allowing for less scent to be released andreducing olfactory fatigue. For example, by adjusting the lighting toblue while dispensing a lavender scent, the user may perceive the scentmore intensely than if only the scent was dispensed allowing for lessscent to be dispensed to stave off olfactory fatigue.

The method can also be performed by an apparatus for dispensing at leastone scent medium into an atmosphere. The apparatus comprises a processorconfigured to increase a concentration of the at least one scent mediumin the atmosphere during a first time period; decrease a concentrationof the at least one scent medium in the atmosphere during a second timeperiod; and increase a concentration of the at least one scent medium oranother scent medium in the atmosphere during a third time period.

Further, the method might also be performed by a non-transitorymachine-readable medium comprising instructions to perform scentdelivery. The instructions comprising increasing a concentration of theat least one scent medium in the atmosphere during a first time period;decreasing a concentration of the at least one scent medium in theatmosphere during a second time period; and increasing a concentrationof the at least one scent medium or another scent medium in theatmosphere during a third time period. This allows for existing computercontrolled-apparatuses to be configured to execute the method.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Some embodiments of apparatuses and systems will be described in thefollowing only by way of example and with reference to the accompanyingfigures, in which:

FIGS. 1A and 1B show block diagrams of an embodiment of a method for asense dispensing rhythm/time course. FIG. 1A shows one iteration of therhythm/time course and FIG. 1B shows the repetition of the rhythm/timecourse.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic graph of a dispersed scent over time in anembodiment.

FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of a further embodiment of a method for asense dispensing rhythm.

FIG. 4 shows an apparatus configured to disperse a scent into anatmosphere according to the embodiments described.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments will now be described more fully with reference tothe accompanying drawings in which some embodiments are illustrated. Thethicknesses of lines, layers, and/or regions in the figures may beexaggerated for clarity.

Accordingly, while further embodiments are capable of variousmodifications and alternative forms, some particular embodiments thereofare shown in the figures and will subsequently be described in detail.However, this detailed description does not limit further embodiments tothe particular forms described. Further embodiments may cover allmodifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope ofthe disclosure. Same or like numbers refer to like or similar elementsthroughout the description of the figures, which may be implementedidentically or in modified form when compared to one another whileproviding for the same or similar functionality.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being“connected” or “coupled” to another element, the elements may bedirectly connected or coupled via one or more intervening elements. Iftwo elements A and B are combined using an “or”, this is to beunderstood to disclose all possible combinations (i.e. only A, only B,as well as A and B) if not explicitly or implicitly defined otherwise.An alternative wording for the same combinations is “at least one of Aand B” or “A and/or B”. The same applies, mutatis mutandis, forcombinations of more than two elements.

The terminology used herein for the purpose of describing particularembodiments is not intended to be limiting for further embodiments.Whenever a singular form such as “a,” “an” and “the” is used, and usingonly a single element is neither explicitly or implicitly defined asbeing mandatory, further embodiments may also use plural elements toimplement the same functionality. Likewise, when a functionality issubsequently described as being implemented using multiple elements,further embodiments may implement the same functionality using a singleelement or processing entity. It will be further understood that theterms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes” and/or “including,” whenused specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps,operations, processes, acts, elements, and/or components but do notpreclude the presence or addition of one or more other features,integers, steps, operations, processes, acts, elements, componentsand/or any group thereof.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientificterms) are used herein in their ordinary meaning of the art to which theembodiments belong.

FIGS. 1A and 1B show block diagrams of a method 100 for a sensedispensing rhythm. FIG. 1A shows a method 100 for dispensing at leastone scent medium into an atmosphere. The method 100 comprises increasinga concentration of the at least one scent medium in the atmosphereduring a first time period 120. The method continues by decreasing aconcentration of the at least one scent medium in the atmosphere duringa second time period 122. The method 100 then further comprisesincreasing a concentration of the at least one scent medium or anotherscent medium in the atmosphere during a third time period 124. Anatmosphere can be any environment, including a vehicle or a home, wherethe scent can be dispersed and might be perceived. Increasing aconcentration of at least one scent medium means dispersing, diffusing,or otherwise delivering a scent into the atmosphere during a time period120, 124. Increasing concentration might not be a continuous release ofa scent and might result in bursts or pulses over the time period 120,124 where the scent concentration is increasing. Time periods 120, 124for increasing a scent medium or fragrance are temporary. Scentsdelivered in pulses might last for a very short period of time.

Various circumstances may initiate the method 100. For a systemperforming a method in a vehicle, for example, the method 100 may beginwhen a door is closed or opened or the engine is started or stopped. Themethod 100 may begin when a navigation system denotes that a journey isbeginning or ending. The method 100 may begin when a user activates asystem performing the method. Additionally, the method may begin if asystem senses or detects the approach of a user from outside thevehicle. The method controls the release control parameters to control,minimize, improve, or optimize the bloom of the fragrance in the air.During the second time period 122, the method may reduce or minimize theamount of scent released into the cabin, and use this to control andmanipulate the perception of the scent aroma by the user.

FIG. 1B shows the method 100 further comprising the third time period124 being the first time 120 period defining a repetitive rhythm for thedispersing the at least one scent medium into the atmosphere. A rhythmmight continue indefinitely. The repetition of the rhythm betweenincreasing and decreasing concentration might prevent olfactory fatigue.

FIG. 2 is a schematic graph of the method 200 for a dispensing aconcentration 214 at least one scent medium into an atmosphere over time212. The graph in FIG. 2 shows intensity in percent on the ordinate andtime on the abscissa. The method 200 comprises increasing aconcentration 214 of the at least one scent medium in the atmosphereduring a first time period 220. Then the method comprises decreasing aconcentration 214 of the at least one scent medium in the atmosphereduring a second time period 222. The method 200 further comprisesincreasing a concentration 214 of the at least one scent medium oranother scent medium in the atmosphere during a third time period 224.The intensity variations that are shown in FIG. 2, which are betweenapproximately 10% and 95%, are just an example and in other embodimentsthe intensity may vary in other bounds.

Decreasing a concentration 214 might further comprise pausing a scentdispensing during the second time period 222, such that less scent isreleased as compared to the first time period 220 and the scentconcentration decreases naturally. Scent dispersing during the secondtime period 222 might not cease but be reduced. Naturally decreasingconcentration means allowing the scent dispersed scent to dilute ordiffuse. Diffusion is when molecules of gas, such as a scent, tend tooccupy the entire volume available to them. As scent molecules spreadout they dilute and eventually decay. This causes the scent to becomeless perceivable. A scent may still be released at a lesser rate than inthe first time period 220 in a way that prolongs the decrease of thescent or holds a level of scent concentration in the atmosphere but doesnot increase the scent. This might be suitable for cases where a scentis diffusing too rapidly, such as in a vehicle with one or more windowsopen. Or this might be for when a background level of a scent iswarranted such as in the case where an undesirable scent is competingwith the dispensed scent or in order to maintain a scent at a level thata new person entering the atmosphere can perceive the scent withoutwaiting for increasing a concentration 214 of the at least one scentmedium during the first 220 or third 240 time periods.

Decreasing a concentration 214 might comprise actively removing a scentfrom the air during the second time period 222. This might involve odoror malodor reduction or treatment by applying air purificationtechnology to eliminate odors, malodors and pollutants (includingvolatile organic compounds (VOCs), sulfur oxides (SOx), and nitrogenoxides (NOx), ozone, bacteria, mold, and allergens). The method may usethe HVAC to decrease a concentration 214 by dissipating or neutralizingthe scent from the air. This can be done by increasing the airflowthrough the cabin or introducing fresh air via the HVAC system.

The method 100 might be configured to avoid adaptation of a humanperception to the scent concentration. Avoiding the adaptation of ahuman perception to the scent concentration might involve knowing a userof the method's perception levels and dispensing the concentration of anat least one scent medium in a way that prolongs the perception of thescent by the user. Knowing the user could involve recording a max scentdiffusion 243 and neutral 240 state intensity levels for a known user ofthe method. It may also mean using sensors to track the blooming andfading of a scent in an atmosphere to determine the concentration of ascent. This adapts the dispersal of the scent to maximize humanperception.

Knowing a user of the method's perception levels can be achieved bygathering information on a user's sensitivity is through a userinterface test or exercise that releases a scent at a certain intensitylevel. The test then asks a question about the intensity and whetherthey liked or disliked the intensity level (e.g. through a thumbs up ordown, smiley, or rating from 1 to 5 interface mechanism). This questionthen gets repeated for the same or different scent at a higher and lowerintensity level. Alternating between different scents and carefullychosen time pauses between samples may help with overcoming olfactoryfatigue during this test. This test can be done at initial setup,on-demand by the user, or periodically initiated by the method (e.g.when the cartridge or other containers for the scent medium dispensingsystem are changed or at certain time periods during the life of thecartridges. Certain time periods during the life of the cartridges mayinclude during initial setup when the scent media in the cartridge is at100% and at 75%, 50% and 25% of the cartridge scent level or life.Machine learning may also be used to aid in this process and determinethe best time for testing.

The method 100 might comprise a duration of the first time period 220that is shorter than the second time period 222. This applies to anytime periods (220, 222, 224) for the increasing and decreasing periods.Generally, the period of increasing concentration (220, 224) may be muchsmaller than the period of decreasing concentration (222). For example,the increasing period is typically measured in seconds, but thedecreasing concentration period (222) could be equal to the increasingperiod (220, 224), or from 1 to 10 minutes, or 20 or 30 minutes.

The method 100 might comprise the duration of the first time period 220is less than one minute. For example, the increasing concentrationperiod (220, 224) could be equal to the decreasing period (222), or lessthan 1 minute, or less than 30 seconds, or less than 1 second.

The atmosphere may be in a neutral state 241 before the first timeperiod 220 and the concentration of the at least one scent medium may beincreased to an intensity level 240 above the neutral state 241. Aneutral state 241 might not mean there is no scent medium in theatmosphere. A neutral state 241 might be a base or background level ofthe scent that is perceptible but does not cause olfactory fatigue.Therefore increasing the scent to an intensity level (240, 244) abovethe neutral state 241 increases the perception of the scent.

FIGS. 1B and 2 also show a method comprising waiting during the secondtime period (122, 222) until the concentration of the at least one scentmedium fades to the neutral state 241. Wherein the method furthercomprises refreshing the concentration of the at least one scent mediumby repeating the first (120, 220) and second (122, 222) time periods.

Increasing or refreshing the concentration 214 of the at least one scentmedium might be done at a different intensity level. A duration of thesecond time period (122, 222) might be constant.

Across each iteration of refreshing the concentration across pulses, thescent intensity can increase progressively, decrease progressively, orfollow a curve (e.g. a typical frequency curve such as a sinusoidalcurve). Additionally, across iterations, one scent may decrease or fadeout while another scent increases or fades in.

Additionally, the method might comprise adjusting a level of the atleast one scent medium (144, 244) prior to the increasing of theconcentration of the at least one scent medium into the atmosphere.

An embodiment of the method 100 might comprise increasing theconcentration 240 of the at least one scent medium in the atmosphereduring a first time period 220 is done to a minimum intensity level a242. Then, an iteration of the refreshing of the concentration of the atleast one scent medium is done at a higher intensity level until amaximum intensity level 243 is reached.

The method might comprise fading between the at least one scent mediumand a subsequent at least one scent medium during a subsequent rhythm.Introducing a different scent medium or media at any subsequent timewill direct attention to the newly added scent media. Constantlychanging the fragrance profile may prevent a user from adapting to thesmell of the scent. This might involve adjusting the level of intensityof a scent, adjusting a character of a scent (e.g. by adding differentscent or by adjusting another aspect of the atmosphere, such as thehumidity or temperature, that affects the perception of the scent), oradjusting by adding additional scents. This might allow the perceptionof the original scent media to recover quicker.

Running multiple scents in combination, in parallel, or within a definedtime offset (so that the scent mixes or layers in the air) allows thescents to blend into a fragrance or chord aroma. FIG. 2 further shows amethod 100 configured to prolong an at least one user's perception of anat least one scent medium in the atmosphere, comprising delivering theat least one scent into the atmosphere at an upper-intensity level 240during the first time period 220. The upper-intensity level isperceivable to the at least one user. The method further compriseswaiting during the second time period 222 until upper-intensity level240 of the at least one scent fades into a lower intensity level 242.The lower intensity level 242 is less perceivable to the at least oneuser than the higher insensitivity level 240. The method furthercomprises refreshing the at least one scent by repeating the steps ofthe first time period during the third time period 224. A lowerintensity level 242 might not be a neutral state 241. This might bebecause the scent medium is not dispersing in the atmosphere or becauseprolonged exposure to the scent media over a plurality of rhythmrepetitions is reducing the user's perception of its scent or smell.This may be determined algorithmically, through data determined aboutthe user's perception, or through taken measurement(s). Data determinedabout a user's perception may be specific to the user or taken fromstudies of one or more possible users and how they respond to olfactoryfatigue. Measurements may include simulations run involving scentdispersal in a controlled atmosphere, such as the interior cabin of avehicle. These measurements may be actual experiments or simulations runon a computer using machine learning.

The third time period 224 may be is the first time period 220 and themethod repeats until the lower intensity level is not less perceivableto the at least one user than the higher intensity level.

Additionally, the method 100 might further comprise actively adjustingan intensity level 240 of the scent by coordinating a scent deliverysystem with a climate control system, a heating system, a ventilationsystem, and/or an air conditioning system. The method might fade oradjust the intensity level of the scent by coordinating the scentdelivery system with the climate control or a heating, ventilation, andair conditioning (HVAC) system. For example, increasing the aircirculation within the cabin (e.g. ambient airflow, forced airflow,etc.) or introducing fresh air into the cabin (e.g. through the HVACsystem, opening external vents or windows, etc.) to dilute or flush theair. Integration into existing vehicle systems allows for the method tocontrol the dispersal of a scent using existing airflow systems, as wellas allowing the scent to be adjusted using additional elements like theheating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. This may prolong ascent, disperse a scent, adjust the character of a scent, or allowmultiple scents to better intermix, creating new scent experiences.Integration may mean integration on a software level (e.g. control toread or write data to the HVAC system) and hardware integration wherethe method 100 has a relationship to and may be performed on thephysical air source, ducting, venting and functionality of the HVACsystem.

The method 100 may be used by a vehicle with a convertible roof (i.e. aconvertible car). The rhythm may adapt for when the roof is up and thecabin is enclosed cabin compared to when the roof is down and the useris exposed to the open air. For example, when the roof is down themethod may extend the duration of the scent release during the first 220and third 224 time periods to compensate for the increased diffusion ordilution of the scent that comes from the increased airflow. Anotherembodiment of the method may vary or augment the duration time periods(220, 222, 224) adapting to the challenges of having a more openenvironment. The method 100 may also be adapted depending on whether thewindows are up or down. For example, when the windows are up the cabinis more sheltered and there is less turbulent airflow and less diffusionso the method may increase the concentration of a scent at a lowerconcentration 240 than if the windows are down.

Additionally, the method 100 may be coordinated with the windows withincreasing concentration 240 of a scent, such that the windows arerolled up just before a first 220 or third 224 time period and thewindows are rolled back to the prior position after the scent release iscomplete during a second time period 222.

Decreasing a concentration 214 of a scent may comprise removing thescent using one or more elements of the group of an air purificationsystem, a carbon filter, a chemical absorption system, and aphoto-catalytic filter. The method might include actively remove thescent with an air purification system (e.g. a carbon filter, chemicalabsorption, photo-catalytic filter, etc.). This could be appliedgenerally throughout the use of the scent delivery, after the use of thedevice or during certain periods, such as the decreasing concentrationperiod 222.

FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of a method 300 for a sense dispensingrhythm. FIG. 3 shows a method might further comprising sensing 326 anambient olfactory level or character and adapting at least one elementof the group of a released scent, a performance of the scent delivery,the first 320, second 322, and third 324 time periods accordingly. Scentrhythm parameters can be driven by settings (e.g. timed settings thatare randomized, preset, preselected, pre-calculated, etc.), directlycontrolled by the user or controlled by sensor data, contextual data,and/or smart algorithms, operating in real-time or during/throughout thepassenger's or vehicle's journey.

A method 300 might further comprise adjusting 326 the first 320, second322, or third 324 time periods based on one or more elements of thegroup of settings, sensor data, user input, lighting transitions,changes in a vehicle user interface, an infotainment system, a scentdispensing system and a vehicle system. The method may control one ormore elements of the group of a navigation or traffic component, aninfotainment component, weather information, safety monitoringcomponent, and an autonomous driving system component. This allows forthe method to be integrated with other external systems that can adjustand inform the perception of the smell released by the cartridge. Forinstance, using weather information could allow the system to attunescent based on humidity, temperature, or other aspects of the weather.Also, using infotainment could allow the scent dispersal to be adjustedto coincide with other sensory effects, such as music or video orvirtual reality or augmented reality (e.g. via a head-mounted display),heightening the users' perception of a scent. The scent rhythm can becoordinated, synchronized or curated with other experiences, happeninginside or outside of the vehicle (e.g. lighting transitions, changes inthe vehicle user interface, infotainment system, or vehicle systems).

Data on the vehicle speed, either real-time or averaged, may drive thecadence or duration of the second time period 322. Additionally, thelength or duration of the journey (taken from the navigation system asdistance or estimated time) can affect the duration of the time periods(320, 322, 324). For example, stretching out or compressing the timeperiods, influencing the number of periods, time between periods, andcadence or time between different scents.

The method 300 may be adapted to accommodate the concentration of thescent media, which affects the intensity of the release, as differentcartridges and different scents may have different concentrations orrelease or diffusion characteristics. Additionally, the method 300 mayaccommodate the natural reduction of scent concentration that occursover the life of the cartridge and how many scent releases have occurredin total (e.g. the number of scent releases or total time that thevalves have been opened to release the scent). Adapting to accommodatethe concentration of the scent media can be accomplished in severalways, including receiving the level of scent media from a cartridgethrough an interface. Calculating the remaining level of a cartridgebased on the initial contents of a cartridge and an expected level ofthe remaining scent media calculated by the amount of scent released bythe method. For example, by recording the total amount of time that oneor more cartridge valve has been open. Accurate calculations may requireevaluation of the cartridge life through testing samples and accountingfor any non-linearity in the scent release over the determined ormaximum life of the cartridge. Sensing the level of the scent mediausing sensors and determining estimating a remaining level of the scentmedia based on a degradation of the scent from the initial release ofscent from the cartridge to the latest release of scent.

Furthermore, adjusting 326 the first 320, second 322, or third 324 timeperiods may be based on a level of the at least one scent mediumremaining in a cartridge or other container for a scent dispensingsystem. For example, when the cartridge is nearing the end of its life(e.g. at 25%) the duration of the time periods may need to be adapted(e.g. extended) to release a certain level of perceivable intensity.This may involve increasing the length of time the airflow passesthrough the scent dispenser or reducing the speed of the air so itbecomes more saturated with scent. This may require a sensor because thescent intensity release of the cartridge may not be linear or a constantrate.) Additionally, the duration of time periods may need to be adapted(e.g. extended or shortened) according to the individual diffusioncharacteristics of a particular scent (or blend of ingredients that makeup a scent).

FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of an apparatus 400 for dispensing at leastone scent medium. FIG. 4 further shows an embodiment of a vehicle 402comprising an embodiment of the apparatus 400 that might perform amethod for dispensing at least one scent medium into an atmosphere. Theapparatus comprises a processor configured to increase a concentrationof the at least one scent medium in the atmosphere during a first timeperiod. The processor is configured to decrease a concentration of theat least one scent medium in the atmosphere during a second time period.The processor is further configured to increase a concentration of theat least one scent medium or another scent medium in the atmosphereduring a third time period.

FIG. 4 further shows the apparatus 400 integrated into a vehicle'sheating, ventilation, and air conditioning system 404. The system 400might be controlled by one or more elements of the group of a vehicleoperation/status component, navigation/traffic component, aninfotainment component, weather information, safety monitoringcomponent, and an autonomous driving system component 406. The apparatus400 might also be located in a dashboard, glove box, rear parcel shelf,center console, and front or rear center armrest.

The method for dispensing at least one scent medium into an atmospheremay be performed a non-transitory machine-readable medium comprisinginstructions to perform scent delivery. The instructions comprisingincreasing a concentration of the at least one scent medium in theatmosphere during a first time period. Then further comprisingdecreasing a concentration of the at least one scent medium in theatmosphere during a second time period. The instructions also comprisingincreasing a concentration of the at least one scent medium or anotherscent medium in the atmosphere during a third time period.

Any of the above-described embodiments may be combined with any otherembodiment (or combination of examples), unless explicitly statedotherwise. The foregoing description of one or more implementationsprovides illustration and description, but is not intended to beexhaustive or to limit the scope of embodiments to the precise formdisclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of theabove teachings or may be acquired from practice of various embodiments.

The aspects and features mentioned and described together with one ormore of the previously detailed embodiments and figures, may as well becombined with one or more of the other examples to replace a likefeature of the other embodiment or to additionally introduce the featureto the other embodiment.

Examples may further be or relate to a computer program having a programcode for performing one or more of the above methods when the computerprogram is executed on a computer or processor. Steps, operations orprocesses of various above-described methods may be performed byprogrammed computers or processors. Examples may also cover programstorage devices such as digital data storage media, which are machine,processor, or computer readable and encode machine-executable,processor-executable or computer-executable programs of instructions.The instructions perform or cause performing some or all of the acts ofthe above-described methods. The program storage devices may comprise orbe, for instance, digital memories, magnetic storage media such asmagnetic disks and magnetic tapes, hard drives, or optically readabledigital data storage media. Further embodiments may also covercomputers, processors or control units programmed to perform the acts ofthe above-described methods or (field) programmable logic arrays((F)PLAs) or (field) programmable gate arrays ((F)PGAs), programmed toperform the acts of the above-described methods.

The description and drawings merely illustrate the principles of thedisclosure. Furthermore, all examples and embodiments recited herein areprincipally intended expressly to be only for illustrative purposes toaid the reader in understanding the principles of the disclosure and theconcepts contributed by the inventor(s) to furthering the art. Allstatements herein reciting principles, aspects, and examples of thedisclosure, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended toencompass equivalents thereof.

A functional block denoted as “means for . . . ” performing a certainfunction may refer to a circuit that is configured to perform a certainfunction. Hence, a “means for s.th.” may be implemented as a “meansconfigured to or suited for s.th.”, such as a device or a circuitconfigured to or suited for the respective task.

Functions of various elements shown in the figures, including anyfunctional blocks labeled as “means”, “means for providing a signal”,“means for generating a signal.”, may be implemented in the form ofdedicated hardware, such as “a signal provider”, “a signal processingunit”, “a processor”, “a controller”, as well as hardware capable ofexecuting software in association with appropriate software. Whenprovided by a processor, the functions may be provided by a singlededicated processor, by a single shared processor, or by a plurality ofindividual processors, some of which or all of which may be shared.However, the term “processor” or “controller” is by far not limited tohardware exclusively capable of executing software, but may includedigital signal processor (DSP) hardware, network processor, applicationspecific integrated circuit (ASIC), field-programmable gate array(FPGA), read-only memory (ROM) for storing software, random accessmemory (RAM), and non-volatile storage. Other hardware, conventionaland/or custom, may also be included.

A block diagram may, for instance, illustrate a high-level circuitdiagram implementing the principles of the disclosure. Similarly, a flowchart, a flow diagram, a state transition diagram, a pseudo code, andthe like may represent various processes, operations or steps, whichmay, for instance, be substantially represented in computer readablemedium and so executed by a computer or processor, whether or not suchcomputer or processor is explicitly shown. Methods disclosed in thespecification or the claims may be implemented by a device having meansfor performing each of the respective acts of these methods.

It is to be understood that the disclosure of multiple acts, processes,operations, steps or functions disclosed in the specification or claimsmay not be construed as to be within the specific order, unlessexplicitly or implicitly stated otherwise, for instance for technicalreasons. Therefore, the disclosure of multiple acts or functions willnot limit these to a particular order unless such acts or functions arenot interchangeable for technical reasons. Furthermore, in someexamples/embodiments a single act, function, process, operation or stepmay include or may be broken into multiple sub-acts, -functions,-processes, -operations or -steps, respectively. Such sub acts may beincluded and part of the disclosure of this single act unless explicitlyexcluded.

Furthermore, the following claims are hereby incorporated into thedetailed description, where each claim may stand on its own as aseparate example/embodiment. While each claim may stand on its own as aseparate example, it is to be noted that—although a dependent claim mayrefer in the claims to a specific combination with one or more otherclaims—other examples may also include a combination of the dependentclaim with the subject matter of each other dependent or independentclaim. Such combinations are explicitly proposed herein unless it isstated that a specific combination is not intended. Furthermore, it isintended to include also features of a claim to any other independentclaim even if this claim is not directly made dependent to theindependent claim.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for dispensing at least one scent mediuminto an atmosphere, the method comprising: increasing a concentration ofthe at least one scent medium in the atmosphere during a first timeperiod; decreasing a concentration of the at least one scent medium inthe atmosphere during a second time period; and increasing aconcentration of the at least one scent medium or another scent mediumin the atmosphere during a third time period.
 2. The method of claim 1,wherein decreasing a concentration comprises pausing a scent dispensingduring the second time period, such that less scent is released ascompared to the first time period and the scent concentration decreasesnaturally.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the third time period isthe first time period defining a repetitive rhythm for the dispersingthe at least one scent medium into the atmosphere.
 4. The method ofclaim 3, wherein the rhythm is configured to avoid adaptation of a humanperception to the scent concentration.
 5. The method of claim 1, whereina duration of the first time period is shorter than the second timeperiod.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein a duration of the first timeperiod is less than one minute.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein theatmosphere is in a neutral state before the first time period andwherein the concentration of the at least one scent medium is increasedto an intensity level above the neutral state.
 8. The method of claim 7,wherein the method comprises waiting during the second time period untilthe concentration of the at least one scent medium fades to the neutralstate, and wherein the method further comprises refreshing theconcentration of the at least one scent medium by repeating the firstand second time periods.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein therefreshing of the concentration of the at least one scent medium is doneat a different intensity level.
 10. The method of claim 8, wherein aduration of the second time period is constant.
 11. The method of claim9, wherein increasing the concentration of the at least one scent mediumin the atmosphere during a first time period is done to a minimumintensity level, and an iteration of the refreshing of the concentrationof the at least one scent medium is done at a higher intensity leveluntil a maximum intensity level is reached.
 12. The method of claim 1,wherein a concentration level of the at least one scent medium isadjusted prior to the increasing of the concentration of the at leastone scent medium into the atmosphere.
 13. The method of claim 3, furthercomprising fading between the at least one scent medium and a subsequentat least one scent medium during a subsequent rhythm.
 14. The method ofclaim 1 being configured to prolong an at least one user's perception ofan at least one scent medium in the atmosphere, the method furthercomprising delivering the at least one scent into the atmosphere at anupper-intensity level during the first time period; wherein theupper-intensity level is perceivable to the at least one user; waitingduring the second time period until upper-intensity level of the atleast one scent fades into a lower intensity level, wherein the lowerintensity level is less perceivable to the at least one user than thehigher insensitivity level, and refreshing the at least one scent byrepeating the steps of the first time period during the third timeperiod.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the third time period is thefirst time period and the method repeats until the lower intensity levelis not less perceivable to the at least one user than the higherintensity level.
 16. The method of claim 1, further comprising activelyadjusting an intensity level of the scent by coordinating a scentdelivery system with a climate control system, a heating system, aventilation system, and/or an air conditioning system.
 17. The method ofclaim 1, wherein decreasing a concentration comprises removing the scentusing one or more elements of the group of an air purification system, acarbon filter, a chemical absorption system, and a photo-catalyticfilter.
 18. The method of claim 1, further comprising sensing an ambientolfactory level or character and adapting at least one element of thegroup of a released scent, a performance of the scent delivery, thefirst, second, and third time periods accordingly.
 19. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising adjusting the first, second, or third timeperiods based on one or more elements of the group of settings, sensordata, user input, lighting transitions, changes in a vehicle userinterface, an infotainment system, a scent dispensing system, and avehicle system.
 20. An apparatus for dispensing at least one scentmedium into an atmosphere, the apparatus comprising: a processorconfigured to: increase a concentration of the at least one scent mediumin the atmosphere during a first time period; decrease a concentrationof the at least one scent medium in the atmosphere during a second timeperiod; and increase a concentration of the at least one scent medium oranother scent medium in the atmosphere during a third time period.
 21. Anon-transitory machine-readable medium comprising instructions toperform scent delivery, the instructions comprising: increasing aconcentration of the at least one scent medium in the atmosphere duringa first time period; decreasing a concentration of the at least onescent medium in the atmosphere during a second time period; andincreasing a concentration of the at least one scent medium or anotherscent medium in the atmosphere during a third time period.